New chromosome differences linked to autism

October 20, 2009

By Flinn Foundation

[Source: The Examiner] – An international group of scientists have announced that their findings show activity of a specific gene is reduced in people with autism. This is a neural gene that has not previously been linked to autism. The research also sheds light on two additional regions which may have rare genetic differences that could affect the risk of autism.

The study, published in Science Daily and US New & World Report today, identified a single letter change on chromosome 5 near a gene believed to direct the growth of neurons and how nerve cells transmit impulses through the body and to the brain and the speed at which they do so.